Answer
No, Calvinism is not heresy. Its core doctrines, though, often summarized by the acronym TULIP, have sparked debates across Christian traditions. The degree to which Calvinism is viewed as biblical or unbiblical depends largely on the theological perspective from which it is evaluated.
Calvinism, named after John Calvin, was birthed during the Protestant Reformation, a time of intense theological scrutiny and fervent debate. Charges of heresy were flying in all directions. Both Catholics and Protestants were quick to point fingers at each other’s perceived departures from biblical Christianity. Calvinism, much like Lutheranism and other Reformation movements, was a direct response to doctrinal errors and unbiblical practices within the Catholic Church.
Calvinism, with its solidified position as a central theological doctrine, has exerted a profound influence not only in its birthplace, Switzerland, but also in the Netherlands, Scotland, and parts of France and England. Its influence has spread far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on Protestantism in various countries.
The Five Points of Calvinism, developed in response to the Arminian controversy in the early seventeenth century, form the core of Calvinist soteriology:
1. Total Depravity: This doctrine posits that every aspect of human nature is corrupted by sin, making humans incapable of choosing God or doing good without divine intervention.
2. Unconditional Election: Calvinists believe that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation, not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part but solely according to His will.
3. Limited Atonement: This point asserts that Christ’s atoning sacrifice was made specifically for the elect, effectively securing salvation for those whom God has chosen.
4. Irresistible Grace: According to this doctrine, the grace of God, which brings individuals to salvation, cannot be resisted when extended to the elect.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: This final point holds that those God has elected and saved will persevere in faith and will not lose their salvation.
Calvinists view their theology as a faithful and rigorous interpretation of the Bible. There is debate over some of the finer points of Calvinism, but Calvinism itself is not heresy. The doctrines of grace, as articulated in Calvinism, uphold God’s sovereignty, human depravity, and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. God’s absolute sovereignty is a central biblical theme in Calvinism.2. Unconditional Election: Calvinists believe that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation, not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part but solely according to His will.
3. Limited Atonement: This point asserts that Christ’s atoning sacrifice was made specifically for the elect, effectively securing salvation for those whom God has chosen.
4. Irresistible Grace: According to this doctrine, the grace of God, which brings individuals to salvation, cannot be resisted when extended to the elect.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: This final point holds that those God has elected and saved will persevere in faith and will not lose their salvation.
For those within the Reformed tradition, Calvinism represents a set of doctrines and a worldview that informs their understanding of God, humanity, and the cosmos. Reformed confessions like the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Belgic Confession articulate Calvinist theology in detailed and systematic ways, supporting every point with Scripture.
The question of Calvinism’s orthodoxy becomes more complex when viewed from the perspectives of other Christian traditions. Different denominations and theological systems have varied reactions to Calvinism, ranging from acceptance to outright rejection, accompanied by charges of heresy.
The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church have historically rejected critical elements of Calvinistic doctrine, particularly the ideas of predestination and irresistible grace. At the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church condemned many of the ideas associated with Protestantism, including some that would later be identified with Calvinism. Catholicism emphasizes human free will and cooperation with divine grace, in sharp contrast with Calvinistic notions of predestination and total depravity.
Eastern Orthodoxy also rejects Calvinism, particularly its understanding of predestination and original sin. Orthodox theology emphasizes cooperation between divine grace and human free will in the process of salvation. While neither tradition might explicitly label Calvinism as “heresy” in the way it historically condemned Arianism or Pelagianism, they both see it as a severe deviation from orthodox Christian teaching.
The most significant theological counterpoint to Calvinism is Arminianism, named after the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius. Arminians reject the Calvinist doctrines of unconditional election and limited atonement, advocating instead for a view of salvation that includes human free will and the potential for all people to be saved.
Arminians often view certain aspects of Calvinism as incompatible with God’s character, particularly the idea that God would predestine some individuals to salvation without regard for their choices. Some Arminians may call Calvinism “heresy” based on what they see as a distortion of the nature of God’s love and justice.
Calvinism is a legitimate and faithful interpretation of biblical Christianity. There are other perspectives on the process of salvation and the ordo salutis, but the system known as Calvinism is not heresy.
